Fuel Transportation: How to Ensure You Are Compliant When Moving Fuel on Public Roads

Trailer Engineering | 5th July 2021

Diesel Fuel Cube

Fuel Cubes Used to Transport Diesel Fuel

The 15-year transitional period designed to allow industries to prepare for the ADR road carriage requirements on bunded fuel tanks regulations came to an end in 2019.

We at Trailer Engineering appreciates that terms of the regulations on oil transportation equipment can be confusing. Therefore, we're sharing our transport fuel tanks and storage fuel tank expertise to help you stay compliant with fuel mobility on public roads. Below you will find the best tips to understand the current regulation and how it affects your fuel-related activities. We also understand that not every industry sector is willing to invest in updated equipment for fuel transportation, which is why we’re offering tips to make the most of your fuel management strategy. Read below to find out what you need to do to be compliant when transporting fuel on public highways.

What Are the Current Regulations for Transporting Fuel?

Strictly speaking, the bunded fuel tanks regulations are not new rules. The regulations were first introduced on the 10 of May 2004. However, the 15-year transitional period means that the ADR only came into play as of the 9th of May 2019.

The transition period enabled industry sectors to switch to authorised and officially classified Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) on public roads. During the transition, fuel users could use some fuel bowsers on public highways, as these were temporarily classified as IBCs. However, since May 9th, 2019, the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road agreed under the European Agreement (ADR) states that your fuel storage needs to meet certain conditions for transport:

  • You must use diesel bunded fuel tanks with 110% bund,
  • The fuel bowser must be a double bunded fuel tank,
  • External and internal checks must be performed respectively every 30 months and every 5 years,
  • The fuel bowser needs an identifying IBC code and a U.N. packaging symbol,
  • You must keep all relevant documentation and tests logged and safely at hand.

Regulations for Transporting Diesel Fuel

The Transportation of Hazardous Products and Usage of Transportable Pressure Equipment Rules 2009 govern diesel fuel transportation (CDG 2009). Diesel fuel transporters on public roadways must follow these rules.

Private individuals can carry diesel fuel without any rules. The following CDG 2009 regulations must be followed:

  • Individuals must utilize a diesel fuel can or tank.
  • Verify the container is firmly attached to the vehicle and not leaking.
  • Transport only 10 litres of diesel fuel per container or 20 litres overall.
  • Label diesel fuel containers and vehicles.
  • Transport diesel fuel without smoking or using a phone.

Commercial diesel fuel transport requires additional rules and may require a dangerous goods safety adviser (DGSA).

Regulations for Transporting Petrol

Petrol is regulated like diesel fuel as a harmful good. The Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014 and CDG 2009 govern petrol transport.

 

Personal gasoline transporters must follow these rules:

  • Use a petrol-approved fuel can.
  • Verify the container is firmly attached to the vehicle and not leaking.
  • Transport no more than 10 litres of petrol each container or 20 litres total.
  • Show petrol warning labels on containers and vehicles.
  • Don't smoke or text when hauling gas.
  • Commercial petrol transport requires additional rules and may require DGSA assistance.

Transporting Diesel Fuel and Petrol in Bowser Tanks

On farms, building sites, and elsewhere, bowser tanks deliver diesel and gasoline. Nonetheless, safety rules apply.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends designing, building, and maintaining bowser tanks to prevent leaks and safely transfer contents. They also need overfill prevention valves and emergency shut-off valves.

You must follow these rules when transporting diesel or petrol in a bowser tank:

  • Maintain and examine the bowser tank.
  • Fill and empty the bowser tank with gloves and goggles.
  • Label the bowser tank with diesel or petrol warnings.
  • Avoid pressure buildup by not overfilling the bowser tank and opening the vent valve.
  • Make sure the bowser tank is properly attached and the vehicle is steady during transit.

Why Were These Regulations Introduced?

As per the current regulations, diesel fuel is classed as a flammable and combustible liquid. As a result, the ADR stipulates that its transportation needs to obey the European Agreement on the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road. Ultimately, the bunded fuel tanks regulations put an end to unsafe diesel mobility on public roads.

What Do the New Regulations Mean for Me?

Contrary to common belief, the new regulations don’t ban the use of fuel bowsers as your preferred fuel tank. However, if the fuel bowser doesn’t meet the internationally-approved IBCs conditions for road transportation, you are not authorised to use it on public roads. You can continue to use fuel bowsers on private roads and sites as well as a storage fuel tank.

For the transportation of over 1000L of fuel, you will need to seek an ADR licence or a U.N. certification.

How To Ensure You Remain Compliant with Fuel Cubes

At Trailer Engineering, we offer an alternative to maintain fuel transportation compliance. Our bunded fuel cube offering is fully legally certified and approved for 10 years, equally as transport fuel tanks and storage fuel tanks.

We recommend our clients who worry about regulation compliance to switch to our safe diesel bunded fuel tanks cubes, which are not only space-saving and durable but also fully road-legal. Our U.N./ADR regulated and approved cubes come in a variety of sizes, so it’s easy to find a suitable alternative to replace your temporary IBCs.

We hope this article can answer some of your most pressing queries about fuel transportation on public roads. We appreciate that every industry has unique fuel requirements and challenges. That’s why, at Trailer Engineering, we have made it our mission to become your fuel storage and transport partner.

Leaning Towards Fuel Cubes? Read Our Guide and Find Out Why They Are the Unrivalled Choice for Transporting Fuel.

Interested in finding our more about Fuel Cubes and why they’re the unrivaled choice for transporting fuel? Check out our guide by clicking here.

Do you have any questions?

If you have any questions, get in touch with a member of our friendly team today at +44(0)1384 564765 , by emailing [email protected] or by using our quick and simple contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.